The water in the Chiang Mai city moat has been tested and is considered "safe" for fun-filled activities over the Songkran holiday, city authorities said on Thursday.
Chiang Mai Mayor Tassanai Buranupakorn said the water in the moat could be safely used for water-splashing activities, and Songkran revellers could also use it to wash their faces.
Mr Tassanai said experts had taken water samples from the moat for testing and analysis. Provincial authorities had also added chlorine to the moat to reduce waterborne bacteria. Other water treatment methods to eliminate germs from the water were also being employed.
Officials had also diverted water from the Mae Taeng irrigation project, which distributes water for irrigation in four districts of Chiang Mai, into the moat to help improve the water quality, he added.
It was expected that at least 80,000 Thai and foreign visitors would celebrate the Songkran festival in the northern province, the mayor said.
A group of adventurous youngsters in Chiang Mai make their own fun during Songkran in 2009 by jumping from a section of the old city wall into the moat. (File photo).